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2008 Jaguar XJ Series Full Review
Date Published: 4/23/08
Also in the 2008 Jaguar XJ Series Review:
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6.
Jaguar XJ Series Full Review
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2008 Jaguar XJ Series Review
The 2008 Jaguar XJ Series gets a mild exterior facelift and a slightly revised interior. This is Jaguar's flagship car, and it comes in five models: XJ8, XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, Super V8, and the high-performance XJR. XJ8 and XJR have a 119-inch wheelbase. The others use a 124-inch chassis. All have a 4.2-liter V8 engine. The XJ8, XJ8 L, and Vanden Plas have 300 hp. The supercharged XJR and Super V8 have 400. A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All have a load-leveling suspension. The XJR has a firmer suspension than other models and unique styling cues. Vanden Plas and Super V8 versions have more luxurious interior treatment. Options include four-zone automatic climate control and a navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
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2008 Jaguar XJ Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Ride/handling | Navigation-system controls |
| Quietness | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Off the line, non-supercharged models feel as quick as the Super V8. Super V8s are noticeably stronger over 40 mph, despite an occasional delay in throttle response. All are fast enough for most any need. An XJ8 did 6.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission is a smooth operator, but it can be somewhat slow to downshift unless in sport mode. No XJRs have been made available for us to test.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.3 |
Off the line, non-supercharged models feel as quick as the Super V8. Super V8s are noticeably stronger over 40 mph, despite an occasional delay in throttle response. All are fast enough for most any need. An XJ8 did 6.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission is a smooth operator, but it can be somewhat slow to downshift unless in sport mode. No XJRs have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, XJ8s averaged 15-18.3 mpg, XJ8 L 18.4 in mostly highway driving. In tests that included more highway miles, Vanden Plas models averaged 19.7-20.1 mpg. Test Super V8s averaged 19.3-20.6 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, XJ8s averaged 15-18.3 mpg, XJ8 L 18.4 in mostly highway driving. In tests that included more highway miles, Vanden Plas models averaged 19.7-20.1 mpg. Test Super V8s averaged 19.3-20.6 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required.
Ride Quality
Any XJ has a fine balance of impact absorption and highway comfort, though they're not quite as settled as other European rivals over washboard surfaces. Some test models felt jittery at highway speeds.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.2 |
Any XJ has a fine balance of impact absorption and highway comfort, though they're not quite as settled as other European rivals over washboard surfaces. Some test models felt jittery at highway speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Weight-saving aluminum-intensive body construction and a stiff chassis help these big cats feel nimble. Good grip in turns with little cornering lean. Steering is somewhat light but linear, with good road feel, great straightline tracking, though one test XJ8 required frequent directional corrections at highway speed. Extended-length models add little weight and handle nearly the same as regular-length models. Braking is strong and sure.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Weight-saving aluminum-intensive body construction and a stiff chassis help these big cats feel nimble. Good grip in turns with little cornering lean. Steering is somewhat light but linear, with good road feel, great straightline tracking, though one test XJ8 required frequent directional corrections at highway speed. Extended-length models add little weight and handle nearly the same as regular-length models. Braking is strong and sure.
Quietness
The supercharged engine whirs faintly in rapid acceleration. Otherwise, the cabin is impressively free of mechanical noise, but our testers did notice some wind rush and road rumble at highway speeds.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.4 |
The supercharged engine whirs faintly in rapid acceleration. Otherwise, the cabin is impressively free of mechanical noise, but our testers did notice some wind rush and road rumble at highway speeds.
Controls
Typical premium large car: lots of buttons that operate lots of controls. Most are clearly marked and conveniently placed. The navigation system absorbs some audio and climate functions, complicating their use. Standard steering wheel-mounted redundant audio controls help. J-shaped shift gate's manual-mode markings are obscured by the gear lever. Rear-entertainment-system controls are not intuitive, and DVDs load via an inconvenient trunk-mounted changer and only with the ignition engaged.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.9 |
Typical premium large car: lots of buttons that operate lots of controls. Most are clearly marked and conveniently placed. The navigation system absorbs some audio and climate functions, complicating their use. Standard steering wheel-mounted redundant audio controls help. J-shaped shift gate's manual-mode markings are obscured by the gear lever. Rear-entertainment-system controls are not intuitive, and DVDs load via an inconvenient trunk-mounted changer and only with the ignition engaged.
Details
Pleasing cabin materials on XJ8. Vanden Plas and Super V8 have upgraded wood and leather. No XJ's decor matches the class-leading Audi A8 or Mercedes-Benz S-Class for pure luxury ambiance, however. In one test XJ, the front and rear obstacle detection system was overly sensitive. It would activate with a shrill beep when idling in traffic or when a pedestrian would walk in front of the car. The system can be disabled, though.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.4 |
Pleasing cabin materials on XJ8. Vanden Plas and Super V8 have upgraded wood and leather. No XJ's decor matches the class-leading Audi A8 or Mercedes-Benz S-Class for pure luxury ambiance, however. In one test XJ, the front and rear obstacle detection system was overly sensitive. It would activate with a shrill beep when idling in traffic or when a pedestrian would walk in front of the car. The system can be disabled, though.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
The seats are firm, comfortable, and supportive. Headroom and legroom are tight for the very large, but the power-adjustable steering column and pedals help most adults find an agreeable driving position. Visibility to the rear is compromised by a tall trunklid.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.8 |
The seats are firm, comfortable, and supportive. Headroom and legroom are tight for the very large, but the power-adjustable steering column and pedals help most adults find an agreeable driving position. Visibility to the rear is compromised by a tall trunklid.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Regular-length models have adequate leg room, though toe space is tight. Extended-length models' leg room is better, though not outstanding when compared to benchmark rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Toe space in extended models is unrestricted unless the front seats are set fully back. Nicely bolstered cushions. Super V8's seatbacks adjust for angle and lumbar support, an unexpected comfort plus.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 7.9 |
Regular-length models have adequate leg room, though toe space is tight. Extended-length models' leg room is better, though not outstanding when compared to benchmark rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Toe space in extended models is unrestricted unless the front seats are set fully back. Nicely bolstered cushions. Super V8's seatbacks adjust for angle and lumbar support, an unexpected comfort plus.
Cargo Room
Plenty of usable trunk space. The lid opens wide on nonintruding hinges and has assisted soft-touch close. A large glovebox and padded map pockets are nice touches, but the center console compartment is tiny.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Plenty of usable trunk space. The lid opens wide on nonintruding hinges and has assisted soft-touch close. A large glovebox and padded map pockets are nice touches, but the center console compartment is tiny.
Value within Class
Jaguar's special character feels watered down in the XJ. Still, this is a solid enough luxury sedan. The basic XJ8 versions are the best value within this lineup. Though most XJ models tend to undercut many competitors on price, they don't match the resale values of key rivals.
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 3 | 5.5 |
Jaguar's special character feels watered down in the XJ. Still, this is a solid enough luxury sedan. The basic XJ8 versions are the best value within this lineup. Though most XJ models tend to undercut many competitors on price, they don't match the resale values of key rivals.
Total Score
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | Super V8 | Class Average |
| 71 | 70 | 69 | 74.7 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 67 | |
| Average Score | 74 | |
| High Score | 87 |
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2008 Jaguar XJ Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/22/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| XJ8 4-door sedan | $63,585 | $58,090 | $665 |
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| XJ8 L 4-door sedan | $67,335 | $61,275 | $665 |
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| Vanden Plas 4-door sedan | $76,085 | $69,238 | $665 |
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| XJR 4-door sedan | $85,585 | $76,063 | $665 |
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| Super V8 4-door sedan | $94,085 | $85,618 | $665 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XJ8
Powertrain
4.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 16-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, pedals), center console, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights w/washers, front and rear fog lights, computer-controlled self-leveling suspension, full-size spare tire, 235/50HR18 tires, alloy wheels.
XJ8 L adds to XJ8:
Comfort and Convenience Features
5-inch-longer wheelbase.
Vanden Plas adds to XJ8 L:
Safety
Front-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated steering wheel, heated/cooled front seats, power-folding mirrors, navigation system, Alpine sound system, 6-disc CD changer, rear-seat fold-down trays, power rear sunshade, lamb's-wool floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
255/40R19 tires.
XJR adds to Vanden Plas:
Powertrain
4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 5-inch-longer wheelbase, heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear-seat fold-down trays, lamb's-wool floormats.
Sport suspension, 255/35ZR20 tires.
Super V8 adds to XJR:
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-zone automatic climate controls, heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, DVD entertainment system, adjustable rear seat w/power headrest and lumbar adjustment, rear-seat fold-down trays, rear control for front-passenger seat, manual side sunshades, lamb's-wool floormats, 5-inch-longer wheelbase.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Multimedia Pkg.
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Vanden Plas, XJR
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$2,950
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$2,508
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DVD player, two rear video screens.
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Warm Climate Pkg.
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Vanden Plas, XJR
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$1,350
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$1,148
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4-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), manual side sunshades.
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Safety |
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Front-obstacle-detection system
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XJ8, XJ8 L
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$250
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$213
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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XJ8, XJ8 L
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$2,300
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$1,955
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Navigation system w/high definition radio
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XJ8, XJ8 L
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$2,800
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$2,380
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Navigation system w/satellite radio
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XJ8, XJ8 L
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$2,750
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$2,338
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Alpine sound system
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XJ8, XJ8 L
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$1,200
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$1,020
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High-definition radio
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Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V8
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$500
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$425
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Satellite radio
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Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V8
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$450
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$383
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NA w/high-definition radio.
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Heated steering wheel
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XJ8, XJ8 L
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$400
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$340
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Heated/cooled front seats
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XJ8, XJ8 L
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$550
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$468
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Special wood interior trim
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XJ8, XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, Super V8
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$0
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$0
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Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel. Deletes wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel. NA w/heated steering wheel.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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Super V8, Vanden Plas, XJ8, XJ8 L, XJR
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$1,000
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$850
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19-inch alloy wheels
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XJ8, XJ8 L, XJR, Super V8
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$0
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$0
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Includes 255/40R19 tires.
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19-inch chrome alloy wheels
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XJ8, XJ8 L, Vanden Plas
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$1,400
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$1,190
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Includes 255/40R19 tires.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Jaguar XJ Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Jaguar XJ8, XJR 4-door sedan | Jaguar XJ8L, Vdn. Pl., Sup. V8 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 119.4 | 124.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.4 | 205.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.5 | 76.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.0 | 57.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3726 | 3779 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.7 | 39.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | Supercharged dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.2 /256 | 4.2 /256 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 300 @ 6000 | 400 @ 6100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 310 @ 4100 | 413 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed automatic | 16/25 | 15/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Jaguar XJ8, XJR 4-door sedan | Jaguar XJ8L, Vdn. Pl., Sup. V8 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 1/12,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
England
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Jaguar XJ Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Jaguar XJ Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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